Sangrur, 19 May (H.S.) : Punjab

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday strongly criticized the Narendra

Modi-led Union government over its handling of the ongoing Gulf war situation,

accusing the Centre of hiding the failure of its foreign and economic policies

behind the global crisis.

Addressing the

media, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Centre was creating panic among citizens

by repeatedly appealing for austerity and restraint. He questioned why no other

country affected by the global situation had asked people to stop buying

petrol, diesel, LPG or gold. Mann demanded that the Union government should

clearly inform the nation about the actual status of India’s oil, LPG and gold

reserves instead of creating fear among the public.

Taking a direct

swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister said the same

leadership that once claimed India would become a “Vishav Guru” had now reduced

the country to a “Vishav Chela.” He alleged that India’s foreign policy had

completely failed and claimed the government now seeks approval from its

“friends sitting in the US” even for important decisions.

Bhagwant Mann

further said that while the war was taking place between Israel and Iran, only

India appeared to be suffering severe economic consequences. He accused the

Centre of failing to anticipate the seriousness of the Gulf conflict, leading

to economic disorder and hardship for ordinary citizens.

The Chief

Minister also criticized the Prime Minister’s foreign tours, alleging that

these visits had benefitted only a handful of industrialists close to the BJP

leadership. He claimed that selected business groups accompanying the Prime

Minister on foreign trips were gaining financially, while common citizens

continued to struggle with rising inflation and fuel prices.

On Punjab BJP

leaders, Mann alleged that they were disconnected from ground realities and

were merely repeating statements dictated by the BJP high command. He also

clarified that he had already raised the issue of DAP fertilizer shortage with

the Union Agriculture Minister, who had assured that Punjab’s requirements

would be met.

The Chief

Minister also accused central agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate

, Central Bureau of Investigation and Income Tax Department of being

misused for political purposes. He alleged that these agencies were being used

to pressure opposition leaders and weaken democracy in the country.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH